While there’s still a few weeks left in the Summer Recess, it is also prime time to start making plans for your child’s learning when school starts in Canyons District on Monday, Aug. 16.
Armed with the lessons learned during the COVID-19 year when schools heavily relied on technology, CSD is launching Canyons Online, the program through which high-quality online classes will be provided to students ranging in age from kindergarten to the 12th grade.
This is a change from a previous announcement that stated Canyons Online offerings would begin at the third-grade level. In response to requests from families who want their children to learn from home until a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for young children, CSD is now accepting Canyons Online applications for kindergarten, first- and second-grade students.
Also, some parents discovered during the pandemic that their young children thrived while at home, learning at their own pace.
Kindergarten through eighth-grade students can apply for fall 2021 right now on the Canyons Online website. They can apply for the program even before CSD’s Monday, Aug. 2 start of Online Registration for the 2021-2022 school year.
The application process will remain open until enrollment reaches capacity. If the program reaches capacity, applicants will be placed on a wait list.
Students in ninth- through 12th grades can register for online learning for Summer Block No. 2 until July 30. In August, high school-age students can begin enrolling for fall online classes.
Canyons Online classes will be led by licensed teachers with advanced training in the best digital teaching and learning practices.
Via Canyons Online, elementary- and middle school-age students will be able to move through grade-level learning at their own pace and on their own time. High school students enrolled in Canyons Online can take the online classes for credit, both original and recovery, toward high school graduation. They also can learn at their own pace and place, says Michelle Shimmin, Canyons Online Administrator.
The limited-space program is for the self-driven and organized learner who, for health, family or personal reasons, seeks an educational experience away from the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom. The students’ educational activities will demonstrate and test their competency.
“This is really at the heart of what personalized learning can be. I think that, coming out of the pandemic, one of the things we have learned is that in-person instruction for the vast majority of our students is a priority,” Robins said. “However, with that, we have also learned that there are many students who thrive in an online environment. For us to be more responsive to their needs, there is a space and place for a blended model.”
Shimmin recently appeared on ABC4’s “Good Morning, Utah to discuss how the program allows students to make and maintain connections with their neighborhood schools.
Canyons Online elementary-age students will be able to participate in before- and after-school music programs, science fair, and debate. Middle schoolers enrolled in Canyons Online can take electives at the local school, plus compete in science fairs and debate. Canyons Online high schools will be allowed to dual enroll so they can have full access to high school programs.
Questions? Please send an email message to communications@canyonsdistrict.org or call 801-826-5461 during business hours.
